Elastic 2D Shapes Lesson Description

Learning Objective/Intention
To visualise, describe and make 2D shapes.

Description
This activity is a practical approach that helps children to become familiar with
2D shapes and their properties. In this activity children will have the opportunity
to both review and acknowledge their prior learning about 2D shapes and their
properties before creating them using pieces of elastic.
Begin by reviewing what the children know about 2D shapes. Give each child a
small elastic band and ask them to create given shapes e.g. a triangle. The
children will need to do describe the properties of their shapes to a learning
partner and can then move onto challenging each other to create shapes by
either giving the shape name or describing specific properties. This task needs
to be fast-paced as it is a quick way of engaging the children immediately with
the content of the lesson before the main session.
Next model to the children how to use one large piece of elastic to create a
specific shape in a group. Ask the children to place the large elastic around their
ankles to create a shape. Each contact with a body part creates a corner, if the
children stand with their feet apart this too will create and extra corner and
therefore side. Give the children the opportunity to visualise each shape in their
head before creating it, when the children are making their shape allow them the
opportunity to discuss their choice of position with their reasons. The children
will soon realise that not every member of the group will be utilised for every
shape. At this stage children should be using mathematical vocabulary to
discuss the properties e.g. corners, sides and equal length.
Finally, ask the children to come together as a class. Discuss with the children
which shapes they were and were not able to create easily. Which shapes were
regular and irregular? How could the children ensure their shapes were regular?
Preparation (5minutes)
Most of the preparation for this session can be done either by your LSA
or parent/carer volunteers.

Have 2D vocabulary bank on show to support the childrens learning.

Cut large pieces of elastic to manageable sizes.

Resources

WALT

Selection of small elastic band

Large lengths of elastic
(We are learning to) visualise and create 3D shapes from drawings.

Success criteria
WILF

(What Im looking for)

You can picture the shape in your head.

Kate Wells & Sabrina Wright 2009

Cuffley School Year 2 & 3

Talk through what you can see with a learning partner.

Differentiation
This activity works as well with pairs or independently, and the practical
opportunity provides perhaps more engagement for those who tend to be more
passive during the usual class taught lesson.
Lower ability:

More basic shapes/pictures could also be used

Adult support
Mixed ability pairing.

Higher ability:

Wider range of shapes.

Top Tip
Some children will be tempted to ping elastic bands across the classroom so ask
the children at the beginning of the lesson to place the elastic bands around their
wrist when not in use.

Kate Wells & Sabrina Wright 2009

Cuffley School Year 2 & 3